The recognition celebrates the RCMB’s efforts across three initiatives:
- Water Sensitive Urban Design
- Waste and Recycling
- Lerwin FOGO Trial
Mayor Wayne Thorley expressed his gratitude towards the individuals and organisations pivotal to these developments.
“Congratulations to all the staff and volunteers involved in each initiative. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, which are essential in advancing our goals toward becoming an Environmentally Sustainable Community”, said Mayor Thorley.
These initiatives exemplify the Rural City of Murray Bridge’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. They reflect the strategic vision to foster a thriving, eco-conscious community. Further details about each initiative are provided below.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
The Rural City of Murray Bridge’s endeavour to enhance the town’s liveability is deeply intertwined with its reliance on water supplies, primarily sourced from the River Murray and irrigation networks.
Since June 2022, Council’s Civil Works and Open Space teams installed 22 Treenets and a stormwater management device to address a persistent ponding issue. This intervention has enabled the planting of many trees, significantly enhancing shading and aesthetic appeal of the town. Council is expanding the use of Treenets and other WSUD devices to promote stormwater harvesting, increase vegetation and reduce pollutants entering the River Murray.
This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also supports Council's strategic plan to further decrease reliance on traditional water supplies. By adopting sustainable practices and exploring alternative water sources, such as stormwater reuse and rainwater collection, Council will continue to enhance its environmental focus.
Waste and Recycling, Innovative Approaches
In partnership with the Rotary clubs, RCMB has relaunched the distribution of Kitchen Caddies to promote Food Organic, Garden Organics (FOGO) initiatives within the community. The two local Rotary clubs have created a Rotary Recycling website and group, applied for a Rotary grant for Caddies and engaged Orana to assemble them with a recycle sticker. These caddies were then passed out at the major shopping centre, with around 400 handed out over two Saturday mornings
KESAB recently visited Murray Bridge, delivering three presentations to Council staff and residents, and distributed more kitchen caddies to support FOGO initiatives and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Additionally, the ‘A-Z of recycling’ from Green Industries, previously known as ‘Which Bin’ has now been updated. It now includes numerous local recycling options that offer viable alternatives to landfill disposal. The revised list directs users to many different entities, such as local businesses, the Brinkley Waste and Recycling Facility, the Brinkley Reuse Centre and other local initiatives.
For more information on how to support the Rotary Recycles initiative, visit their website Rotary Recycles Home Page | Rotary Club of Murray Bridge (murraybridgerotary.org.au)
Lerwin FOGO Trial
Recognising the need for sustainable waste management practices at Lerwin, the RCMB initiated a FOGO (Food Organic, Garden Organics) trial in collaboration with Lerwin management.
Through careful planning, staff training and strategic waste collection efforts, the trial successfully diverted a significant amount of food waste from landfill. Currently, between 350 – 500 kg of food waste is diverted from landfill every fortnight. This waste is transported to Peats Soils, where it is transformed into compost and sold to home gardeners and farmers, further contributing to the sustainability cycle.
For more detailed information on these initiatives and why a sustainable focus is important for the community, please see Council's strategic vision on the Murray Bridge Council website.